Ohlone Elementary School

Ohlone is truly unique, I can't say enough good things about it. It has brought out the best in our children, educating them towards self-confident curious learners and creative problem-solvers. The teachers' dedication is second to none, they understand the children, and every child is given the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. As an aside: Even though they don't 'teach to the test', my children's test scores went up after switching to Ohlone from a different (comparable) school.
--Submitted by a parent

This "choice" school is truly a gem. We have had 2 of our children attend Ohlone. We have been able to compare this school with another private school where we sent our oldest child. Ohlone instills a love of learning, independence, and initiative that the private school was unable to provide. They adhere to their philosophy and project based learning is taken very seriously. There is also an emphasis on whole child development.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is fantastic. With mixed grade levels, students are able to work at different levels of work and be supported by older kids and help younger students. It is a public comprehensive program encompassing the humanities, sciences and arts. Best of all - the school has a farm where students learn about growing and eating healthy food and taking care of small farm animals. It's the best!
--Submitted by a parent

They actually teach at Ohlone, not just get through the day. I don't think I realized just how wonderful the place was until I was exposed to other schools. Both of my children who have gone have really become motivated to learn for its own sake. So instead of stopping when they did just well enough to get an A, they were always motivated to learn and do more. And despite not having homework every night (maybe because of it?) have done really well in middle school and beyond. The teachers are really supported to do some of their own thing -- so one class did claymation, another does Shakespeare, some go different places for the simulation. It does depend on the teacher, but that is part of what makes the teachers motivated -- and the school better.
--Submitted by a parent

We feel blessed to have our kids in the school. Teachers are extraordinary and when faced with a challenge do everything always focusing on the welfare of the cildren.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are fantastically dedicated and wonderful with the kids; the principal is the same, and the philosophy of the school (educating hearts and minds together) is so right!
--Submitted by a parent

Ohlone has been a wonderful school for my daughter for three years. She has cherished both of her teachers, developed a hearty appetite for reading, and feels confident about herself as a student. I am grateful to be a part of this community.
--Submitted by a parent

great 'style' that hearkens back to how school should be at this age
--Submitted by a parent

Our kids have gotten a tremendous love of learning at Ohlone. They are curious, questioning, and liberated to think in new ways, mostly (I think) due to the alternative curriculum. Ohlone's 'no-homework' rule is an incredible blessing to let the kids be kids as long as possible. The test scores catch up by grade 5, earlier on, they are lower, largely (imho) b/c Ohlone does not 'teach to the test' and they don't teach test-taking skills, until later in the curriculum. The buddy system, 2 years per teacher, farm and caring parents make this an Oasis of creativity and learning in the crazy world we live in. Principal Susan Charles is a gifted leader.
--Submitted by a parent

Ohlone is a fantastic find. The independence and self direction fostered here are the best tools possible for success in later learning. Our children enjoyed their time at Ohlone tremendously and were very well prepared for middle school and had the tools to ensure their own learning success.
--Submitted by a parent